Teaching
Our teaching activities focus on architecture of operating systems,
on component-based middleware, as well as on predictable distributed
computing.
Our curriculum includes lectures which discuss operating system issues
based on standard platforms (Windows 2000/XP, Mac OS X (BSD Unix), and Solaris)
as well as on embedded systems (Windows CE, Embedded Linux).
The construction of distributed systems using a variety of
middleware platforms (CORBA, COM+, and .NET) is another fundamental topic
of our curriculum.
An in-depth discussion of paradigms, design patterns and
implementation techniques for creating predictable software systems
(with regard to performance, fault tolerance and real-time aspects)
is another focus of our teaching activities.
Research
Today's Commercial off-the-shelf computer systems (COTS) typically
are being optimized for high performance which often leads to
unsatisfactory user experience for internet-wide distributed systems.
Predictable end-to-end behavior of distributed real-time
services is not a central issue.
With growing system complexity, wide-spread distribution
and new fault scenarios, it is a big challenge to provide reliable,
guaranteed in-time services with middleware-based systems.
The research activity of our group is concerned with paradigms, design patterns
and implementation techniques for enhancing
middleware technology for predictable computing.
One central issue concerns the open research question how far middleware
technology can be pushed into the domain of embedded computing,
thus linking embedded control systems with standard middleware.
A number of research projects are centered around the configuration problem
for component software, specifically the
"online replacement of software components"
and the use of commercial off-the-shelf operating systems
in control systems ("Windows 2000/CE in real-time robotics
and process control").
Projects are currently sponsored by Microsoft Research Cambridge and Deutsche Post ITSolutions. We are also participating in the DISCOURSE project of 4 universities in Berlin and Potsdam (Freie Universität Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität Berlin, Hasso-Plattner-Institut Potsdam)
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